There aren't many shoe designers who know how to marry the substantial quality and sturdiness of men's shoes with the feminine scale of women's footwear. Yucca Murase, however, has mastered this art. Indeed, it's not hard to see why the Japanese designer's Italian-made line has become a cult classic. Combining the old and the new with exquisite attention to detail, Le Yucca's shoes are the epitome of quiet luxury. Here at Roztayger, we revere the woman who has managed to straddle the line between masculine and feminine and deliver a product as deliciously unconventional as it is wearable. We sat down to chat with Yucca to find out what it's like to walk in her shoes.
Q: How did you come to design shoes? What drew you to this particular medium?
In my mind, the shoe and the foot are the same thing. Shoes should be so comfortable that they become indistinguishable from the feet. It was important for me to experience this level of comfort, as well as to create beauty to match.
Q: Your designs have developed a cult-like following. What do you think it is that sets your shoes apart?
My shoes are sobering in the sense that they are designed to match any style and thereby enhance the identity of those who wear them. Le Yucca’s create balance in every way.
Q: It's rumored that you have some pretty famous customers. Can you reveal any names?
Unfortunately, due to the contract, I cannot.
Q: You went from working for athletic shoe brands like Nike and Bridgestone to launching your own line of refined and highly unconventional footwear. How did you make this leap? What happened in between?
I quit the sport sector because I dreamed of being able to see my own shoes on people. And I had to design my own line because I simply couldn’t find shoes that I liked anywhere. The techniques that I learned designing athletic shoes were invaluable, however. Even today, I apply a lot of the same techniques to making Le Yucca’s.
Q: Aside from your own work, which shoe brands/designers would we find in your closet?
Jon Lobb.
Q: Name three things that inspired your first shoe collection.
1. It should bear no resemblance to any other shoes in existence. 2. The collection wasn’t designed to be sold, but it should be easy to sell. 3. The designs should capture the feeling of what makes life better.
Q: Who is your biggest design influence?
Hermès – until a few years ago.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
To travel around the world in a sailboat!